Virtual sensor network (VSN) system and method

ABSTRACT

A method is used for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine. The method may include providing a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The method may also include integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. Further, the method may include determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to computer based virtual sensor techniques and, more particularly, to virtual sensor network systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Physical sensors are widely used in many products, such as modern machines, to measure and monitor physical phenomena, such as temperature, speed, and emissions from motor vehicles. Physical sensors often take direct measurements of the physical phenomena and convert these measurements into measurement data to be further processed by control systems. Although physical sensors take direct measurements of the physical phenomena, physical sensors and associated hardware are often costly and, sometimes, unreliable. Further, when control systems rely on physical sensors to operate properly, a failure of a physical sensor may render such control systems inoperable. For example, the failure of an intake manifold pressure sensor in an engine may result in shutdown of the engine entirely even if the engine itself is still operable.

Instead of direct measurements, virtual sensors have been developed to process other various physically measured values and to produce values that were previously measured directly by physical sensors. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,373 (the '373 patent) issued to Keeler et al. on Jan. 31, 1995, discloses a virtual continuous emission monitoring system with sensor validation. The '373 patent uses a back propagation-to-activation model and a monte-carlo search technique to establish and optimize a computational model used for the virtual sensing system to derive sensing parameters from other measured parameters.

A modern machine may need multiple sensors to function properly, and multiple virtual sensors may be used. However, conventional multiple virtual sensors are often used independently without taking into account other virtual sensors in an operating environment, which may result in undesired results. For example, multiple virtual sensors may compete for limited computing resources, such as processor, memory, or I/O, etc. An output of one virtual sensor model could also inadvertently becomes an input to another virtual sensor model, which can result in unpredictable effects in complex control systems relying on these values. Further, other types of interactions among the multiple virtual sensors may cause undesired or unpredictable results, such as feedback loops or transient control instabilities.

Methods and systems consistent with certain features of the disclosed systems are directed to solving one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine. The method may include providing a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The method may also include integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. Further, the method may include determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a virtual sensor network system. The virtual sensor system may include a plurality of virtual sensors, an input interface to obtain data from corresponding physical sensors; and an output interface to provide data to a control system. Each of the plurality of virtual sensors may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The plurality of virtual sensors may be integrated into a virtual sensor network. Further, the virtual sensor network system may include a controller and the controller may be configured to determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors. The controller may also be configured to obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors; and to determine a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information. Further, the controller may be configured to present the determined first condition to the control system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a machine. The machine may include an engine to provide power for the machine; an engine electronic control module (ECM) for controlling the engine; and a plurality of physical sensors providing sensing data to the engine ECM. The machine may also include a virtual sensor network system for providing predicted sensing data to the engine ECM. The virtual sensor network system includes a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter, integrated into a virtual sensor network. The virtual sensor network system may also include an input interface to obtain data from the plurality of physical sensors; an output interface to provide data to the engine ECM; and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and to obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. The controller may also be configured to determine a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and to present the determined first condition to the control system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a machine. The machine may include at least two electronic control modules (ECMs) for respectively controlling machine systems to be coordinated. The machine may also include a communications network between the ECMs; a plurality of physical sensors providing physical sensing data to the multiple ECMs; and a virtual sensor network system for providing predicted sensing data to the multiple ECMs. The virtual sensor network system may include a plurality of virtual sensors integrated into a virtual sensor network. Each virtual sensor may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The virtual sensor network may include an input interface to obtain data from the plurality of physical sensors; an output interface to provide data to the ECMs; and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and to obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. The controller may also be configured to determine a condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and to present the determined condition to the control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a machine in which features and principles consistent with certain disclosed embodiments may be incorporated;

FIG. 2 illustrates a logical block diagram of an exemplary computer system consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary virtual sensor network system consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an exemplary virtual sensor integration process consistent with certain disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary virtual sensor network operational process consistent with certain disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 100 in which features and principles consistent with certain disclosed embodiments may be incorporated. Machine 100 may refer to any type of stationary or mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with a particular industry. Machine 100 may also include any type of commercial vehicle such as cars, vans, and other vehicles. Other types of machines may also be included.

As shown in FIG. 1, machine 100 may include an engine 110, an electronic control module (ECM) 120, a virtual sensor network system 130, and physical sensors 140 and 142. Engine 110 may include any appropriate type of engine or power source that generates power for machine 100, such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell generator. ECM 120 may include any appropriate type of engine control system configured to perform engine control functions such that engine 110 may operate properly. ECM 120 may include any number of devices, such as microprocessors or microcontrollers, memory modules, communication devices, input/output devices, storages devices, etc., to perform such control functions. Further, computer software instructions may be stored in or loaded to ECM 120. ECM 120 may execute the computer software instructions to perform various control functions and processes.

Although ECM 120 is shown to control engine 110 (an engine ECM), ECM 120 may also control other systems of machine 100, such as transmission systems, and/or hydraulics systems, etc. Multiple ECMs may be included in ECM 120 or may be used on machine 100. For example, a plurality of ECMs may be used to control different systems of machine 100 and also to coordinate operations of these systems. Further, the plurality of ECMs may be coupled together via a communication network to exchange information. Information such as input parameters, output parameters, and parameter values, status of control systems, physical and virtual sensors, and virtual sensor networks may be communicated to the plurality of ECMs simultaneously.

Physical sensor 140 may include one or more sensors provided for measuring certain parameters of machine operating environment. For example, physical sensor 140 may include physical emission sensors for measuring emissions of machine 100, such as Nitrogen Oxides (NO_(x)), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), total reduced Sulfur (TRS), etc. In particular, NO_(x) emission sensing and reduction may be important to normal operation of engine 110. Physical sensor 142, on the other hand, may include any appropriate sensors that are used with engine 110 or other machine components (not shown) to provide various measured parameters about engine 110 or other components, such as temperature, speed, acceleration rate, fuel pressure, power output, etc.

Virtual sensor network system 130 may be coupled with physical sensors 140 and 142 and ECM 120 to provide control functionalities based on integrated virtual sensors. A virtual sensor, as used herein, may refer to a mathematical algorithm or model that produces output measures comparable to a physical sensor based on inputs from other systems, such as physical sensors 140 and 142. For example, a physical NO_(x) emission sensor may measure the NO_(x) emission level of machine 100 and provide values of NO_(x) emission level to other components, such as ECM 120; while a virtual NO_(x) emission sensor may provide calculated values of NO_(x) emission level to ECM 120 based on other measured or calculated parameters, such as such as compression ratios, turbocharger efficiency, aftercooler characteristics, temperature values, pressure values, ambient conditions, fuel rates, and engine speeds, etc. The term “virtual sensor” may be used interchangeably with “virtual sensor model.”

A virtual sensor network, as used herein, may refer to a collection of virtual sensors integrated and working together using certain control algorithms such that the collection of virtual sensors may provide more desired or more reliable sensor output parameters than discrete individual virtual sensors. Virtual sensor network system 130 may include a plurality of virtual sensors configured or established according to certain criteria based on a particular application. Virtual sensor network system 130 may also facilitate or control operations of the plurality virtual sensors. The plurality virtual sensors may include any appropriate virtual sensor providing sensor output parameters corresponding to one or more physical sensors in machine 100.

Further, virtual sensor network system 130 may be configured as a separate control system or, alternatively, may coincide with other control systems such as ECM 120. Virtual sensor network system 130 may also operate in series with or in parallel to ECM 120. Virtual sensor network system 130 and/or ECM 120 may be implemented by any appropriate computer system. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a computer system 200 configured to implement virtual sensor network system 130 and/or ECM 120. Computer system 200 may also include any appropriate computer system configured to design, train, and validate virtual sensors in virtual sensor network 130 and other component of machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, computer system 200 (e.g., virtual sensor network system 130, etc.) may include a processor 202, a memory module 204, a database 206, an I/O interface 208, a network interface 210, and a storage 212. Other components, however, may also be included in computer system 200.

Processor 202 may include any appropriate type of general purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor, or microcontroller. Processor 202 may be configured as a separate processor module dedicated to controlling engine 110. Alternatively, processor 202 may be configured as a shared processor module for performing other functions unrelated to virtual sensors.

Memory module 204 may include one or more memory devices including, but not limited to, a ROM, a flash memory, a dynamic RAM, and a static RAM. Memory module 204 may be configured to store information used by processor 202. Database 206 may include any type of appropriate database containing information on characteristics of measured parameters, sensing parameters, mathematical models, and/or any other control information.

Further, I/O interface 208 may also be configured to obtain data from various sensors or other components (e.g., physical sensors 140 and 142) and/or to transmit data to these components and to ECM 120. Network interface 210 may include any appropriate type of network device capable of communicating with other computer systems based on one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. Storage 212 may include any appropriate type of mass storage provided to store any type of information that processor 202 may need to operate. For example, storage 212 may include one or more hard disk devices, optical disk devices, or other storage devices to provide storage space. Any or all of the components of computer system 200 may be implemented or integrated into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) device.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of virtual sensor network system 130 consistent with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, virtual sensor network system 130 may include a sensor input interface 302, virtual sensor models 304, a virtual sensor network controller 306, and a sensor output interface 308. Input parameters 310 are provided to sensor input interface 302 and output parameters 320 are provided by sensor output interface 308.

As explained above, a virtual sensor network may refer to a plurality of virtual sensor models integrated as a collection of virtual sensors to provide sensing functionalities under a central control unit. Virtual sensor network 130 is not a simple or mechanical aggregation of multiple virtual sensor models. The plurality of virtual sensors in a virtual sensor network may be integrated to fit a particular system, and the operation of the plurality of virtual sensors may be controlled collectively.

Sensor input interface 302 may include any appropriate interface, such as an I/O interface or a data link, etc., configured to obtain information from various physical sensors (e.g., physical sensors 140 and 142). The information may include values of input or control parameters of the physical sensors, operational status of the physical sensors, and/or values of output parameters of the physical sensors. Further, the information may be provided to sensor input interface 302 as inputs 310.

Sensor output interface 308 may include any appropriate interface, such as an I/O interface, or an ECM/xPC interface, etc., configured to provide information from virtual sensor models 304 and virtual sensor network controller 306 to external systems, such as ECM 120, or to an external user of virtual sensor network 120. The information may be provided to external systems and/or users as output 320.

Virtual sensor models 304 may include a plurality of virtual sensors, such as virtual emission sensors, virtual fuel sensors, and virtual speed sensors, etc. Any virtual sensor may be included in virtual sensor models 304.

A virtual sensor model may require a certain amount of computational resource to be operational. For example, a virtual sensor model may need to be stored in a certain amount of memory. The program code and data of the virtual sensor model may be loaded into memory to be executed by a processor. And the execution of the virtual sensor model may require a certain amount of processing time of the processor. Other computational resources, such as I/O operations, display operations, etc., may also be required by the virtual sensor model.

The overall computational resources required by a virtual sensor model may be referred to as a footprint of the virtual sensor model. The size of the footprint, i.e., the overall amount of the required computational resources, may relate to the complexity of the virtual sensor model, the type of the virtual sensor model, and accuracy of the virtual sensor.

A footprint of a virtual sensor network may include footprints of all virtual sensors in the virtual sensor network plus a certain amount of computational resources required by certain virtual sensor network functionalities, such as control and validation functions. The plurality of virtual sensors may be integrated into virtual sensor models 304 of virtual sensor network system 130 by, for example, computer system 200 such that the footprint for virtual sensor network 130 may be desired or optimized. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary integration process.

As shown in FIG. 4, computer system 200, or processor 202, may obtain data records corresponding to a plurality of virtual sensors of virtual sensor network (step 402). The data records may include, for example, information characterizing engine operations and emission levels including NO_(x) emission levels. ECM 120 and/or physical sensors 140 and 142, such as physical NO_(x) emission sensors, may be provided to generate data records, such as intake manifold temperature, intake manifold pressure, ambient humidity, fuel rates, and engine speeds, etc.

Further, the data records may be collected based on various engines or based on a single test engine, under various predetermined operational conditions. The data records may also be collected from experiments designed for collecting such data. Alternatively, the data records may be generated artificially by other related processes, such as other emission modeling, simulation, or analysis processes.

The data records may include different sets of data. For example, two sets of data records may be obtained. A first set of data records may be used as training data to build virtual sensor network system 130. A second set of data may be provided as testing data to test and validate virtual sensor network 130. Other sets of data, such as simulation data and optimization data, may also be provided.

After obtaining the data records (step 402), processor 202 may obtain model and configuration information of virtual sensor models 304 (step 404). The model and configuration information may include any appropriate information to establish, configure, and control the plurality of virtual sensors of virtual sensor models 304. For example, processor 202 may obtain model type information and structural information of the plurality of virtual sensors of virtual sensor models 304.

A model type may refer to mathematical characteristics of a virtual sensor model. For example, a virtual sensor model type may include a decision tree model, a linear model, a nonlinear regression model, a linear multiple regression model, a time-lag model, and a neural network model.

A decision tree model may refer to a predictive model mapping from observations about an item to conclusions about its target value. The decision tree model may include a classification tree (discrete outcome) or regression tree (continuous outcome), where leaves may represent classifications and branches may represent conjunctions of features that lead to those classifications.

A linear model may be represented by Y=Xβ+ε, where n and p are integers and Y is an n x×1column vector of random variables, X is an n×p matrix of “known” (i.e. observable and non-random) quantities, whose rows correspond to statistical units, β is a p×1 vector of (unobservable) parameters, and ε is an n×1 vector of “errors”, which are uncorrelated random variables each with expected value 0 and variance σ². The values of the parameters β and σ² may be inferred using a method of maximum likelihood.

A nonlinear regression model may be represented by y=b₁x¹+b₂x²+ . . . +b_(n)x^(n)+c, where b₁−b_(n) are the regression coefficients, representing the amount the dependent variable y changes when the corresponding independent changes 1 unit. The c is the constant corresponding to where the regression line intercepts the y axis, and representing the amount the dependent y will be when the independent variable is 0. A nonlinear regression model may be used to establish that an independent variable explains a proportion of the variance in a dependent variable at a significant level and the relative predictive importance of the independent variable with respect to certain nonlinear effects.

A linear multiple regression model may be represented by y=b₁x¹+b₂x₂+ . . . +b_(n)x_(n)+c, where b₁−b_(n) are the regression coefficients, representing the amount the dependent variable y changes when the corresponding independent variables x₁ . . . x_(n) change by 1 unit. The c is the constant corresponding to where the regression line intercepts the y axis, and representing the amount the dependent y will be when all the independent variables are 0. A multiple regression model may be used to establish that a set of independent variables explains a proportion of the variance in a dependent variable at a significant level and the relative predictive importance of the independent variables. Nonlinear multiple regression models can be constructed in similar fashion by applying various or multiple exponential characteristics to independent variables specified.

A time-lag model may refer to any appropriate linear or nonlinear model with a certain time lag applied to the independent variables. For instance, a simple linear model of the form y=mx+b can be transformed to a time-lagged linear model of the form y_(t)=mx_(t−n)+b where t represents time, and n represents desired number of lags of x in time prior to t to produce the desired estimated of y at the current time.

Further, a neural network model may refer to an interconnected group of artificial neurons (i.e., a simple processing element) that uses a mathematical or computational model for information processing based on a connectionist approach to computation. The neural network may be an adaptive system that changes its structure based on external or internal information that flows through the network. Any types of neural network models may be used. It is understood that the above model types are listed for exemplary purposes, other model types may also be used.

Structural information of a virtual sensor model may be used by processor 202 to change model type of the virtual sensor model. For example, processor 202 may change a virtual sensor model from a linear model to a neural network model. The different models corresponding to different model types may be created in real-time based on the structural information, or may be pre-established.

Processor 202 may also determine applicable model types supported by each virtual sensor model (step 406). For example, for a particular virtual sensor model, processor 202 may determine different types of models upon which the virtual sensor can be built. The models of different types may be pre-established or may be established by processor 202 in real-time.

Processor 202 may select an initial combination of model types for virtual sensor models 304 (step 408). For each of plurality of the virtual sensor models 304, processor 202 may select an initial model type. For example, processor 202 may select a neural network model for an emission virtual sensor, and may select linear model for a temperature virtual sensor, etc. Any appropriate combination of different or same types may be used.

After selecting the model type (step 408), processor 202 may calculate a footprint and accuracy of virtual sensor models 304 (step 410). Processor 202 may calculate an individual footprint and accuracy of each of the virtual sensor models 304, and then calculate an overall footprint and accuracy of the virtual sensor models 304 based on individual footprints and accuracy. Footprint may increase in a sequential order for decision tree model type, linear model type, nonlinear regression model type, linear multiple regression model type, time-lag linear model type, and neural network model type. Accuracy may depend upon a particular application, and may increase in a sequential order for the decision tree model type, linear model type, nonlinear regression model type, linear multiple regression model type, time-lag linear model type, and neural network model type. Accuracy criteria may also include information about model uncertainty, correlation, root-mean-square (RMS) error or other statistical measurements.

Further, processor 202 may determine whether the footprint and accuracy satisfy certain criteria or algorithms (step 412). The criteria or algorithms may be determined base a particular application (e.g., an engine application). For example, processor 202 may set a limitation for the overall footprint while maintaining a threshold for the overall accuracy or any individual accuracy such that a desired combination of model types may have an overall footprint under the limitation and an accuracy above the threshold. Other criteria or algorithms may also be used.

If processor 202 determines that the footprint and accuracy of virtual sensor models 304 do not satisfy the criteria (step 412; no), processor 202 may select a different combination of model types for virtual sensor models 304 (step 414). Processor 202 may select the different combination using any appropriate algorithm.

For example, processor 202 may use a genetic algorithm to select the different combination. The genetic algorithm may be any appropriate type of genetic algorithm that may be used to find possible optimized solutions based on the principles of adopting evolutionary biology to computer science, such as chromosome, selection, mutation, reproduction operations, etc.

This selecting process may continue until the genetic algorithm converges and the desired combination of model types and accuracy of virtual sensor models 304 is selected. Other algorithms, such as any progressive searching algorithm, may also be used.

On the other hand, if processor 202 determines that the footprint and accuracy satisfy the criteria (step 412; yes), processor 202 may complete the integration process and may output the desired combination model types to other control systems or users. This selecting process may be a progressive process. That is, the desired combination of model types of virtual sensor models 304 is obtained by progressively searching the various different combinations of model types of virtual sensor models 304. The desired combination of models along with other model information, such as model structures, model data, valid input spaces (i.e., valid input ranges) and output spaces (i.e., valid output ranges), calibration data, and/or other statistical data may be stored in memory or a database for operating and controlling virtual sensor models 304.

Returning to FIG. 3, virtual senor network system 130 may also include virtual network controller 306. In operation, virtual network controller 306 may monitor status of virtual sensor models 304 and corresponding physical sensors, determine fitness of individual virtual sensors of virtual sensor models 304, determine fitness of virtual sensor models 304 collectively, control operation of individual virtual sensors of virtual sensor models 304, and/or report status to other computer programs or control systems, etc. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary operation process performed by virtual sensor network controller 306 as implemented in computer system 200 or processor 202.

As shown in FIG. 5, processor 202 may obtain model information of a plurality of virtual sensors of virtual sensor models 304 (step 502). For example, processor 202 may obtain model types, model structures, model data including valid input spaces and calibration data used to train and optimize the model, and statistical data, such as distributions of input and output parameters of the virtual sensor model, etc. Processor 202 may also obtain operational data from physical sensors that provide data to or are modeled by virtual sensor models 304 via sensor input interface 302. For example, processor 202 may obtain values of input and output parameters of the physical sensors and operational status of the physical sensors.

Further, processor 202 may determine interdependency among the plurality of virtual sensor models based on the model information (step 504). Interdependency, as used herein, may refer to any dependency between two or more virtual sensor models. For example, the interdependency between two virtual sensor models may refer to existence of a feedback from one virtual sensor model to the other virtual sensor model, either directly or indirectly. That is, one or more output parameters from one virtual sensor model may be directly or indirectly fed back to one or more input parameters of the other virtual sensor model.

Processor 202 may also create a table for storing the interdependency information among virtual sensor models 304. From the interdependency table, processor 202 may look up interdependent virtual sensor models for a particular virtual sensor model or any other interdependency information in real-time.

Processor 202 may also monitor and control individual virtual sensors (step 506). For example, for a backup virtual sensor, i.e., a virtual sensor becomes operational upon a predetermined event to replace a corresponding physical sensor, processor 202 may obtain predicted values of output parameters of the backup virtual sensor model and actual values of output parameters of the corresponding physical sensor represented by the virtual sensor model. Processor 202 may calculate a deviation between the predicted values and the actual values and may determine whether the deviation is beyond a predetermined threshold. If processor 202 determines that a deviation between the predicted values and the actual values is beyond the predetermined threshold, processor 202 may operate the virtual sensor model to provide predicted output parameter values to other control systems, such as ECM 120, via sensor output interface 308.

Further, for any operational virtual sensor model, processor 202 may obtain values of input parameters and output parameters of the operational virtual sensor. Processor 202 may further determine whether any input parameter to the virtual sensor or any output parameter from the virtual sensor exceeds the range of a valid input space or a valid output space, respectively.

If processor 202 determines that any individual input parameter or output parameter is out of the respective range of the input space or output space, processor 202 may send out an alarm to other computer programs, control systems, or a user of machine 100. Optionally, processor 202 may also apply any appropriate algorithm to maintain the values of input parameters or output parameters in the valid range to maintain operation with a reduced capacity.

Processor 202 may also determine collectively whether the values of input parameters are within a valid range. For example, processor 202 may use a Mahalanobis distance to determine normal operational condition of collections of input values. Mahalanobis distance, as used herein, may refer to a mathematical representation that may be used to measure data profiles based on correlations between parameters in a data set. Mahalanobis distance differs from Euclidean distance in that mahalanobis distance takes into account the correlations of the data set. Mahalanobis distance of a data set X (e.g., a multivariate vector) may be represented as

MD _(i)=(X _(i)−μ_(x))Σ⁻¹(X _(i)−μ_(x))′  (1)

where μ_(x) is the mean of X and Σ⁻¹ is an inverse variance-covariance matrix of X. MD_(i) weights the distance of a data point X_(i) from its mean μ_(x) such that observations that are on the same multivariate normal density contour will have the same distance.

During training and optimizing virtual sensor models 304, a valid Mahalanobis distance range for the input space may be calculated and stored as calibration data associated with individual virtual sensor models. In operation, processor 202 may calculate a Mahalanobis distance for input parameters of a particular virtual sensor model as a validity metric of the valid range of the particular virtual sensor model. If the calculated Mahalanobis distance exceeds the range of the valid Mahalanobis distance range stored in virtual sensor network 130, processor 202 may send out an alarm to other computer programs, control systems, or a user of machine 100 to indicate that the particular virtual sensor may be unfit to provide predicted values. Other validity metrics may also be used. For example, processor 202 may evaluate each input parameter against an established upper and lower bounds of acceptable input parameter values and may perform a logical AND operation on a collection of evaluated input parameters to obtain an overall validity metric of the virtual sensor model.

After monitoring and controlling individual virtual sensors, virtual sensor network controller 306 (e.g., processor 202) may also monitor and control collectively a plurality of virtual sensor models (step 508). That is, processor 202 may determine and control operational fitness of virtual sensor network 130. Processor 202 may monitor any operational virtual sensor model of virtual sensor models 304. Processor 202 may also determine whether there is any interdependency among any operational virtual sensor models including the virtual sensor models becoming operational. If processor 202 determines there is an interdependency between any virtual sensor models, processor 202 may determine that the interdependency between the virtual sensors may have created a closed loop to connect two or more virtual sensor models together, which is neither intended nor tested. Processor 202 may then determine that virtual sensor network 130 may be unfit to make predictions, and may send an alarm or report to control systems, such as ECM 120, or users of machine 100. That is, processor 202 may present other control systems or users the undesired condition via sensor output interface 308. Alternatively, processor 202 may indicate as unfit only interdependent virtual sensors while keeping the remaining virtual sensors in operation.

As used herein, a decision that a virtual sensor or a virtual sensor network is unfit is intended to include any instance in which any input parameter to or any output parameter from the virtual sensor or the virtual sensor network is beyond a valid range or is uncertain; or any operational condition affect the predictability and/or stability of the virtual sensor or the virtual sensor network. An unfit virtual sensor network may continue to provide sensing data to other control systems using virtual sensors not affected by the unfit condition, such interdependency, etc.

Processor 202 may also resolve unfit conditions resulting from unwanted interdependencies between active virtual sensor models by deactivating one or more models of lower priority than those remaining active virtual sensor models. For instance, if a first active virtual sensor model has a high priority for operation of machine 100 but has an unresolved interdependency with a second active virtual sensor having a low priority for operation of machine 100, the second virtual sensor model may be deactivated to preserve the integrity of the first active virtual sensor model.

ECM 120 may obtain output parameters (e.g., output 320, such as NO_(x) emission level) from virtual sensor network 130 via sensor output interface 308. ECM 120 may also obtain output parameters from a mixed physical sensors and virtual sensor models. Further, ECM 120 may receive alarm or other status information from virtual sensor network 130 to adjust control parameters provided by the physical sensors and virtual sensor models to achieve desired stability and reliability.

When multiple ECMs are included, processor 202 may obtain input information, such as input parameters, from the multiple ECMs simultaneously over a communications network coupling the multiple ECMs. Processor 202 may also communicate output information, such as output parameters, to the multiple ECMs simultaneously over the communications network. Further, processor 202 may communicate status information, such as validity or fitness of the virtual sensor network to multiple ECMs simultaneously.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed systems and methods may provide an efficient and accurate solution for providing a plurality of virtual sensors within a single machine. The plurality of virtual sensors are aware of each other such that interdependency among the plurality of virtual sensors can be avoided. Fitness of individual virtual sensor model and fitness of a collection of virtual sensor models may be obtained in real-time to facilitate control systems making proper decisions corresponding to stability of the virtual sensor network.

The disclosed systems and methods may be used in many different products, such as engines, transmission equipment, other machine components and products. Further, the disclosed systems and methods may be used to provide efficient and accurate diagnostic and prognostic systems for emission systems on vehicles.

The disclosed systems and methods may also be used in electrical and electronic systems to increase robustness of the systems by improving the predictability of system failure and identifying sources for failure to enhance so-called limp-home capability. The disclosed system and methods can also change the sensor topology to minimize exposure to sensors with below-target quality and reliability. System stability and reliability may also be improved by monitoring and controlling interactions among virtual sensors that are neither considered when building individual virtual sensors nor tested after building the individual virtual sensors

The disclosed systems and methods may be used in a wide range of virtual sensors, such as sensors for engines, structures, environments, and materials, etc. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods provide practical solutions where physical sensors are expensive to be included and/or retrofitting certain sensors is necessary. That is, the disclosed virtual sensor systems may be used to retrofit a machine with new functionalities without installing or changing new hardware devices, while such new functionalities usually require new hardware devices, such as physical sensors, to be installed. Further, the disclosed systems and methods may be used in combination with other process modeling techniques to significantly increase speed, practicality, and/or flexibility.

The disclosed systems and methods may also provide efficient methods to determine types and qualities of sensors in a product. By choosing appropriate types of sensors and appropriate qualities of sensors, product cost may be reduced and product quality may be increased. Further, a combination of physical sensors and virtual sensors may be established to further improve product quality and reliability.

The disclosed systems and methods may provide flexible solutions as well. The disclosed virtual sensor network system may be used interchangeably with physical sensors. Control systems may operate based on either a virtual sensor network system or physical sensors, without differentiating data sources.

Further, the disclosed virtual sensor network system may be used to replace physical sensors and may operate separately and independently of the physical sensors in the event of failure. The disclosed virtual sensor network system may also be used to back up physical sensors. Moreover, the virtual sensor network system may provide parameters that are unavailable from a single physical sensor, such as data from outside the sensing environment.

The disclosed systems and methods may also be used by machine manufacturers to reduce cost and increase reliability by replacing costly or failure-prone physical sensors. Reliability and flexibility may also be improved by adding backup sensing resources via the disclosed virtual sensor network system. The disclosed virtual sensor techniques may be used to provide a wide range of parameters in components such as emission, engine, transmission, navigation, and/or control, etc. Further, parts of the disclosed system or steps of the disclosed method may also be used by computer system providers to facilitate or integrate other models.

Other embodiments, features, aspects, and principles of the disclosed exemplary systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be implemented in various environments and systems. 

1. A method for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine, comprising: providing a plurality of virtual sensors each having a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter; integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors; determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein integrating includes: obtaining data records corresponding to the plurality of virtual sensors; obtaining model and configuration information of the plurality of virtual sensors; determining applicable model types of the plurality of virtual sensors and corresponding footprints and accuracy; selecting a combination of model types for the plurality of virtual sensors; and calculating an overall footprint and accuracy of the virtual sensor network based on the combination of model types of the plurality of virtual sensors.
 3. The method according to claim 2, further including: determining whether the overall footprint and accuracy is desired based on certain criteria; if it is determined that the overall footprint and accuracy is not desired, selecting a different combination of model types for the plurality of virtual sensors; and repeating the step of calculating the overall footprint and accuracy and the step of selecting the different combination until a desired combination of model types is determined.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the repeating is governed by using one of a genetic algorithm and an input from an operator of the machine.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data records include two sets of data: a first set of training data, and a second set of testing data.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the interdependencies further includes: determining a feedback relationship between the output parameter of one virtual sensor from the plurality of virtual sensors and the input parameter of one or more of other virtual sensors from the plurality of virtual sensor; and storing the feedback relationship in a table.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the first condition further includes: monitoring the interdependencies of the plurality of virtual sensors; and determining occurrence of the first condition when two or more virtual sensors are both interdependent and providing the sensing data to the control system.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further including: determining a second condition under which an individual virtual sensor from the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide the output parameter to the control system; and presenting the determined second condition to the control system.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein determining the second condition further includes: obtaining values of the input parameter of a virtual sensors; calculating a validity metric based on the obtained values; determining whether the calculated validity metric is within a valid range; determining the second condition if the calculated validity metric is not within the valid range.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein calculating the validity metric includes calculating the Mahalanobis distance of the input parameter to a valid operating range of the virtual sensor network.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein calculating the validity metric includes: evaluating each input parameter against an established upper and lower bounds of the input parameter; and performing a logical AND operation on a collection of evaluated input parameter to obtain the validity metric.
 12. A virtual sensor network system, comprising: a plurality of virtual sensors, each having a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter, integrated into a virtual sensor network; an input interface to obtain data from corresponding physical sensors; an output interface to provide data to a control system; and a controller configured to: determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors; determine a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and present the determined first condition to the control system.
 13. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of virtual sensors are integrated by: obtaining data records corresponding to the plurality of virtual sensors; obtaining model and configuration information of the plurality of virtual sensor; determining applicable model types of the plurality of virtual sensors and corresponding footprints and accuracy; selecting a combination of model types for the plurality of virtual sensors; and calculating an overall footprint and accuracy of the virtual sensor network based on the combination of model types of the plurality of virtual sensors.
 14. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 13, further including: determining whether the overall footprint and accuracy is desired based on certain criteria; if it is determined that the overall footprint and accuracy is not desired, selecting a different combination of model types for the plurality of virtual sensors; and repeating the step of calculating the overall footprint and accuracy and the step of selecting the different combination until a desired combination of model types is determined.
 15. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 12, wherein, to determine the interdependencies, the controller is further configured to: determine a feedback relationship between the output parameter of one virtual sensor from the plurality of virtual sensors and the input parameter of one or more of other virtual sensors from the plurality of virtual sensor; and store the feedback relationship in a table.
 16. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 12, wherein, to determine the first condition, the controller is further configured to: monitor the interdependencies of the plurality of virtual sensors; and determine occurrence of the first condition when two or more virtual sensors are both interdependent and providing the sensing data to the control system.
 17. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 12, the controller is further configured to: determine a second condition under which an individual virtual sensor from the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide the output parameter to the control system; and present the second condition to the control system to indicate the determined second condition.
 18. The virtual sensor network system according to claim 17, wherein, to determine the second condition, the controller is further configured to: obtain values of the input parameter of a virtual sensor; calculate a mahalanobis distance based on the obtained values; determine whether the calculated mahalanobis distance is within a valid range; determine the second condition if the calculated mahalanobis distance is not within the valid range.
 19. A machine, comprising: an engine to provide power for the machine; an engine electronic control module (ECM) for controlling the engine; a plurality of physical sensors providing sensing data to the engine ECM; and a virtual sensor network system for providing predicted sensing data to the engine ECM, wherein the virtual sensor network system includes: a plurality of virtual sensors, each having a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter, integrated into a virtual sensor network; an input interface to obtain data from the plurality of physical sensors; an output interface to provide data to the engine ECM; and a controller configured to: determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors; determine a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and present the determined first condition to the control system.
 20. The machine according to claim 19, wherein, to determine the interdependencies, the controller is further configured to: determine a feedback relationship between the output parameter of one virtual sensor from the plurality of virtual sensors and the input parameter of one or more of other virtual sensors from the plurality of virtual sensor; and store the feedback relationship in a table.
 21. The machine according to claim 19, wherein, to determine the first condition, the controller is further configured to: monitor the interdependencies of the plurality of virtual sensors; and determine occurrence of the first condition when two or more virtual sensors are both interdependent and providing the predicted sensing data to the control system.
 22. The machine according to claim 19, the controller is further configured to: determine a second condition under which an individual virtual sensor from the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide the output parameter to the control system; and present the second condition to the control system to indicate the determined second condition.
 23. The machine according to claim 22, wherein, to determine the second condition, the controller is further configured to: obtain values of the input parameter of a virtual sensor; calculate a mahalanobis distance based on the obtained values; determine whether the calculated mahalanobis distance is within a valid range; determine the second condition if the calculated mahalanobis distance is not within the valid range.
 24. A machine, comprising: at least two electronic control modules (ECMs) for respectively controlling machine systems to be coordinated; a communications network between the ECMs; a plurality of physical sensors providing physical sensing data to the multiple ECMs; and a virtual sensor network system for providing predicted sensing data to the multiple ECMs, wherein the virtual sensor network system includes: a plurality of virtual sensors, each having a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter, integrated into a virtual sensor network; an input interface to obtain data from the plurality of physical sensors; an output interface to provide data to the ECMs; and a controller configured to: determine interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; obtain operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors; determine a condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to, provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and present the determined condition to the control system.
 25. The machine according to claim 24, wherein the controller is further configured to: obtain input parameters from the multiple ECMs simultaneously over the communications network; communicate output parameters to the multiple ECMs simultaneously over the communications network; and communicate status information regarding the condition of the virtual sensor network to the multiple ECMs simultaneously. 